Vh41 into Pathfinder questions

Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Location: Mt Druitt

I,ve done a search, but come up with very little info. I have a 99 Pathy and I'm going to do a VH41 conversion, using the Cima auto. The pathy forum suggested the auto will bolt straight up to the Pathy transfer, but i am a little suspicious about hearsay evidence and would like comments from anyone who actually may know. I'm pretty sure the motor will fit in the engine bay and I'm hopeful there will be enough room to run the engine driven fan, although I'd be happy to fit AU thermos in there if necessary. I don't really want to modify the front and move the radiator forward, but will cross that bridge later. I would appreciate comments about any other info I may need, thanks.
Ric

Joined: 17 Aug 2005 Location: NZ

I looked at putting a 93 Pathfinder body onto mine but the engine bay wasn't long enough! The engine would fit but without enough room for fans on the rad. With an R50 you have the added problem of no chassis so harder to make body mods.
The VH uses the same auto as Patrol and this is what I have behind mine (VH45) I assume the Pathy you have is still using the RE4R01A if then it is very similar to the RE4R03A that the patrol and Cima etc use.
The other problem was getting the cam cover to clear the brake booster. So if you're prepared to stuff around with that then go for it.

Joined: 27 Nov 2002 Location: Lost in Melbourne.

Speak with an RTA engineer before buying anything and discuss your ideas, to see if it can be legally done before blowing $10k.

Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Location: Mt Druitt

bogged wrote:

Speak with an RTA engineer before buying anything and discuss your ideas, to see if it can be legally done before blowing $10k.

I have. No problems, why would there be. I will have to get an emissions test done as the motor is 97-2000 and the vehicle was not available in Aus. Athol Mullins in Cardiff is one of the few good guys of engineering, who uses his brain, not his ego when examining modified vehicles and he is very confident it will pass any emissions test.

I will be doing eveything myself except the exhaust ($450) and wiring ($700), so I can't see it costing anywhere near $10K. I should be able to sell the original motor and trannie, which will pay for the half cut, so I estimate $3k max. My Hilux (1UZ) only cost about $4k and required upgrading of the cooling system, fuel tank/pump and tailshaft mods and the old diesel was only worth a grand. The pathy has a pretty big radiator already, so I see this as a very easy conversion. They are a very wide motor though and clearance probs around the steering shaft and brake master will be unknowns unless I can get info from someone who has first hand knowledge.

Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Location: Mt Druitt

nzdarin wrote:

I looked at putting a 93 Pathfinder body onto mine but the engine bay wasn't long enough! The engine would fit but without enough room for fans on the rad. With an R50 you have the added problem of no chassis so harder to make body mods.
The VH uses the same auto as Patrol and this is what I have behind mine (VH45) I assume the Pathy you have is still using the RE4R01A if then it is very similar to the RE4R03A that the patrol and Cima etc use.
The other problem was getting the cam cover to clear the brake booster. So if you're prepared to stuff around with that then go for it.

Yeah, the Pathy has the RE4R01A, But I am not sure yet how similar they are to the RE4R03A. Are the output shafts the same? Are the output bolt patterns the same for it to bolt straight up to the Trannie case and are there any issues with speed sensor differences if the speed sensor is in the transfer case as in a Hilux? I guess I'll find out soon enough when I start the job. It is a big committment to buy this half cut, not knowing for sure if it will fit, but what the hell, someones got to try it. Anyone in the market for a good, complete V6 Pathy motor and auto?